A new secondary school could be built on Green Belt land.

Hertfordshire County Council wants to buy a section of land at Carpenders Park Farm in Oxhey Lane for a new school.

New schools are proposed in Baldwins Lane, Croxley Green, and Long Lane in Mill End.

But education chiefs admit that even if these schools are built, there will still be a shortage of places.

Research by transport planning consultants Phil Jones Associates suggested the main catchment area would be for children in South Oxhey.

The pressure on school places in Watford has been listed as one of the major reasons for the scheme. 

The land could cost £950,000 and Hertfordshire County Council’s cabinet will be asked to approve the buying of the land next Tuesday.

The report, which is to be presented to Hertfordshire County Council's cabinet, states: "The majority of that parcel of land was previously considered in the south west Hertfordshire secondary school site carried out in 2010.

"It was considered large enough for a school and attached playing fields but was not taken forward as a shortlisted site."

The site is 52 acres. 

However there is a race to land the deal. 

The seller had initially set a deadline of 19 February for offers for the land. 

County council officers submitted a bid and the land owner is believed to be happy to sell if the contracts are exchange by Thursday, March 31.

They insist the site could be used to provide school provision in a "comparatively straightforward, timely and cost effective way".

More than 500 new homes are set to be built in South Oxhey, increasing demand on places.